I am the founder of Fotokids and have been privileged to lead the organization for over 30 years.
Prior to founding Fotokids, I worked as a combat photographer, covering the wars in Central America for Reuters and later on contract for Black Star. These experiences exposed me to the intense realities of conflict, but also strengthened my belief in the power of visual storytelling as a means of understanding and change.
Throughout the years, Fotokids has kept me inspired and committed. I have watched the children we serve blossom into talented artists, critical thinkers, and compassionate adults—many of whom have successfully found employment despite Guatemala’s severely depressed economy. Today, these young leaders have embraced the program and are sharing their experiences and opportunities with others, creating a ripple effect of hope and resilience.
I have organized and curated the Fotokids exhibitions and have had the honor of sharing our work through gallery shows and interviews across more than 14 countries. Traveling with the young artists, I have seen firsthand how photography functions as a powerful educational tool—one that ignites a passion for learning and self-expression.
Our projects have been diverse, ranging from exploring the rights of the child. addressing the impacts of the Guatemalan civil war, to supporting HIV-positive children, children with spinal difficulties, and fostering cultural identity among children of farmworkers in California’s Central Valley. We have empowered girls through a three-year IT program, and provided environmental education in the jungles of Honduras.
Since 1989, I have lived continuously in Guatemala, and it remains my true home and the place where my heart resides. Fotokids is not just a project; it is a lifelong journey of being able to help children succeed, rooted in the belief that every child has a gift that only has to be unlocked and the potential to illuminate the world through their voice and vision.
